Cherries close in on Brentford defender Mepham

Eddie Howe is close to completing his third January purchase with the addition of Brentford and Wales defender Chris Mepham.

Bournemouth have chased the 21-year-old over the past two windows as his west London club rejected one offer in January 2018 and a £10 million bid in the summer.

It is believed that the deal could now be worth over £15 million to the Bees, who currently sit 17th in the Championship table under coach Thomas Frank.

The Welsh international who has been capped four times is a product of Chelsea’s and Brentford’s academies and has made 26 appearances so far this season.

Howe will be keen to add some youth in defence and may see Mepham as the ideal replacement for Nathan Ake should the 23-year-old complete a rumoured return to Chelsea.

Bournemouth have already reinforced their defence with the loan signing of Liverpool defender Nathaniel Clyne after injuries to regular starters Adam Smith and Simon Francis.

The Cherries boss will hope the introduction of Mepham can help change his team’s recent fortunes after a run of five games without a win in all competitions.